Segment:
Full-size luxury sedan
Target Audience:
Customers seeking comfort, refinement, and a spacious interior
Competitors:
Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, Toyota Avalon
Comfort And Ride:
Renowned for its smooth ride and quiet cabin, often featuring Magnetic Ride Control
Interior Appointments:
Premium materials, available heated and cooled seats, advanced climate control
Powertrain Options:
Available V6 and V8 engines offering a balance of power and efficiency
Coverage Scope:
All models, engines, trim levels, and transmission types
Estimated Pages:
Detailed procedures A-Z, implying comprehensive coverage (specific count not provided, but substantial)
Type:
Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual
File Format:
Digital (PDF recommended via Adobe Reader)
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul for all applicable engines
Transmission:
Service, repair, and troubleshooting for all covered transmission types
Brakes:
Maintenance, repair, and diagnostics for braking systems (including ABS where applicable)
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, diagnostic procedures for the entire electrical system
Suspension:
Inspection, repair, and replacement of suspension components
Steering:
Service and repair of steering systems
HVAC:
Diagnosis and repair of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems
Body:
Repair procedures for exterior and interior body panels, trim, and associated components
Chassis:
Frame and chassis diagnostics and repair
Exhaust:
Repair and replacement of exhaust system components
Fuel:
Service and repair of fuel delivery systems
Cooling:
Maintenance and repair of the cooling system
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving issues
Repair:
Detailed instructions for component replacement and repair
Rebuild:
Comprehensive procedures for engine and transmission rebuilds
Installation:
Guidance for installing new or replacement parts
Disassembly Assembly:
Detailed steps for taking apart and reassembling various vehicle systems
Depth:
Complete workshop level, suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics
Diagnostics:
Advanced diagnostic fault code interpretation and troubleshooting
Illustrations:
Step-by-step instructions with pictures for clarity
Compatibility:
PC, MAC, tablets, smartphones (requires Adobe Reader)
Printability:
Printable pages, chapters, or the entire manual
Binding:
N/A (Downloadable Digital Format)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Engine Code Common:
LD8 (3.8L V6), LZ1 (3.8L Supercharged V6 - limited production for 2005), LY7 (3.5L V6 - later model year introduction but relevant for context), LH2 (4.6L V8 - Northstar)
Displacement 3.8L:
3.8 Liters (3800 cc)
Horsepower 3.8L Naturally Aspirated:
Approximately 205 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque 3.8L Naturally Aspirated:
Approximately 230 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Displacement 4.6L:
4.6 Liters (4600 cc)
Horsepower 4.6L V8 Northstar:
Approximately 275 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 4.6L V8 Northstar:
Approximately 295 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Engine Orientation:
Transverse
Engine Configuration:
V6 and V8
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Coil-on-Plug (COP) depending on engine variant
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars (as per NHTSA data for similar models)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars (as per NHTSA data for similar models)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (as per IIHS data for similar models)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Stabilitrak:
Available StabiliTrak (electronic stability control)
Airbags Front:
Dual-stage front airbags
Airbags Side:
Available front and rear side-impact airbags, available front and rear head-curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Radio Options:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, available premium audio systems (e.g., Bose)
Navigation:
Available factory-installed navigation system
Climate Control:
Available dual-zone automatic climate control
Parking Assist:
Available rear parking assist sensors
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Onstar:
Available OnStar telematics system
Memory Seats:
Available driver seat memory settings
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specific recommendations)
Engine Coolant Flush:
Every 5 years or 100,000 miles for Dex-Cool coolant (check manual for specific interval)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Often recommended at 50,000-100,000 miles, depending on service and fluid type (refer to manual)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by engine; typically 100,000 miles for premium iridium plugs
Engine Oil Type:
GM-recommended synthetic blend or full synthetic, typically SAE 5W-30 (refer to manual for exact specification)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron VI automatic transmission fluid (or equivalent specified in manual)
Coolant Type:
GM P/N 12346290 (Orange Dex-Cool) or equivalent
Window Regulator Failure:
Common issue across many GM vehicles of this era, leading to windows not staying up.
Northstar Engine Head Gasket:
While improved from earlier iterations, the Northstar engine can still be susceptible to coolant leaks or head gasket issues if not properly maintained.
Torque Converter Issues:
Some reports of torque converter shudder or failure in automatic transmissions.
Intermittent Electrical Problems:
Can arise from worn wiring harnesses, faulty sensors, or module issues.
Buick Legacy:
Buick has a long-standing reputation for producing comfortable, quiet, and well-appointed American sedans.
Lucerne Positioning:
The Lucerne was introduced as a successor to the Buick LeSabre and Park Avenue, slotting as Buick's flagship full-size sedan.
Platform:
Based on the GM G-platform (later H-body platform), shared with other large GM sedans.
Production Start Year:
2006 model year (debuted in late 2005)
Manufacturing Location:
Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA
Car And Driver Five Best Lists:
Not prominently featured on major 'best of' lists for 2005 in the same way as some competitors, but recognized for its comfortable ride.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Varied reliability ratings depending on the specific engine and year, with some components showing average to below-average reliability in consumer surveys.